High school preview: Best games across the state

Looking to catch a great football game outside of Lexington each week during the regular season? Here's a guide:

Week 1: Middlesboro at Bell County (Aug. 21) — The Yellowjackets have won two in a row over their cross-county rival after years of being on the losing side. Last year's 17-14 finished was decided on a field goal as time expired.

Week 2: Paintsville at Frankfort (Aug. 28) — Until he arrives on UK's campus next fall, there will be no better chance to see future Cat Kash Daniel than in this early clash between Class A contenders.

Week 3: Franklin County at Woodford County (Sept. 4) — These former district mates in 5A continue their rivalry in 4A after realignment. The Flyers' speed will be a nice early test for a stacked Woodford front line.

Week 4: Paducah Tilghman at Graves County (Sept. 11) — Three of the previous four contests between these two have been decided by fewer than five points. The teams are 2-2 against each other in that span. One game went into overtime. Zero reason not to tune in to this one.

Week 5: Central Hardin at John Hardin (Sept. 18) — The intra-county foes each figure to play a big role in their respective playoff races. A renewal of their rivalry will be a good test to see where each stands midseason.

Week 6: Mayfield vs. Corbin (Sept. 25) — The small-school stalwarts meet at Lindsey Wilson's Blue Raider Stadium. It is the third of four straight games against preseason top 10 teams for the Cardinals.

Week 7: St. Xavier vs. Trinity (Oct. 2) — If they get past Male in Week 4, the Shamrocks can establish themselves as Louisville's toughest squad by beating the archnemesis Tigers in one of the state's classic rivalries.

Week 8: Dixie Heights at Highlands (Oct. 9) — Last year's 6A runner-up and 4A champion are not only in 5A together, but in the same district. The playoff picture will get a bit clearer after this one.

Week 9: North Oldham at Collins (Oct. 16) — Another contest with big district implications should preseason rankings hold up. Questions about each team entering the season should be adequately answered once a winner has been decided.

Week 11: Johnson Central at Belfry (Oct. 30) — Don't let the final regular week of high school football be overshadowed by a massive sports weekend in Lexington which includes the Breeders' Cup and UK-Tennessee football game. Rivalries dot the schedule, including this bout between eastern Kentucky juggernauts.